Editor-Gazette-Journal:

We are writing on behalf of the members and friends of the historic Bethel Baptist Church about the recent decision of the Gloucester Board of Zoning Appeals to approve the location of a 150-foot-tall cell tower less than 70 yards away from the front of our entrance. Such a hideous structure would undermine the ability of the Bethel family to worship as well as fellowship in a serene and beautiful environment.Bethel Baptist Church supports broadband—easy access to high-speed internet—for every Gloucester resident. While we recognize the need for broadband in the county and want it for ourselves and all citizens, we are firmly opposed to placing the cell tower in front of our church doors (just across Route 614).

Church representatives have held several conversations and one face-to-face meeting at Bethel Elementary School with relevant local Gloucester government officials to request a change in the cell tower location. When the BZA chose the site near ou...